Ronald and Paisley walked into the event hall hand in hand.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAMheEKvTj7d
Everyone focused their eyes on the entrance of the latest couple in the South.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAJHtG7jDZkH
The murmuring and whispering became louder as they saw my supposed fiancé that I loved, holding my dear sister that I cared for.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAP2rzm7VnjY
"Lord Belv's lover is the other Lady Deor?"
488Please respect copyright.PENANAfeNLIub9Ge
"He broke off his engagement for the bastard lady?"
488Please respect copyright.PENANAQhyoGwcejl
"Lady Adrianna cared for and always protected Lady Paisley. They seemed so close"
488Please respect copyright.PENANAyFkuqySdXl
"I used to think Lady Paisley was innocent, but it seems that she's a sly fox"
488Please respect copyright.PENANAtW2lBQ7mmC
"Tsk, stealing her sister's fiancé"
488Please respect copyright.PENANA7k3QZtKnjx
"Poor Lady Adrianna...she must be heartbroken"
488Please respect copyright.PENANA5HoG9dWEGT
The nobles watching the drama all sympathized with me and looked at Paisley and Ronald with dislike.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAeLOho2kXSz
I held back the urge to smile and immediately retreated to a group of the most active gossiping ladies.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAUuQAzN0eSG
Ronald had been able to read the mood, however, Paisley being the stupid bubble head that she was, remained ignorant of the current image she had slowly gained.
488Please respect copyright.PENANA71GBvZLFLF
Paisley seemed to always have the thought that everyone would love her no matter what she did.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAiSDmEXPvy8
Often times when growing up, she'd break something of mine or offend me and would not apologize and would instead say something along the lines of.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAQx79EzNE7M
"I know you're not going to be mad"
488Please respect copyright.PENANARiftoeZBOS
Or something like.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAQdXA22kIrV
"You know I'm clumsy so I'm not to be blamed"
488Please respect copyright.PENANAhFQEwJ6ZUA
It seemed as if she had this perception that she was meant to be forgiven and loved by everybody.
488Please respect copyright.PENANADR6VP7SkyL
It was my fault for nurturing this behavior. I should have long ago put her in her place.
488Please respect copyright.PENANACetBR6HwDM
A lady who seemed to be resltess and could not remain silent anymore, approached me.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAVrqhmtdiy7
"Lady Deor, how are you feeling?"
488Please respect copyright.PENANACDDIgbNXCF
It was obvious that she did not have pure intentions since she had whispered to her friends around her before approaching me.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAVM4sSyaEG3
She was among one of the gossip mongers.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAQw5nUukrbq
I did not ignore her, but instead used her as a means to promote the news of Paisley and Ronald.
488Please respect copyright.PENANATqMoJSuFRE
Pitifully, I held my cheek and spoke in a low tone at first.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAQv1kVc7Lmu
"I'm fine"
488Please respect copyright.PENANArZm0hqr3al
I dramatically looked over at Paisley and Ronald who were standing next to each other, talking lovingly.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAaUumgjFnLQ
Tears began to brim in my eyes and I spoke to the lady, this time in a louder voice.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAaRzkLJInyk
"I don't know what I did to deserve this. Hic...it was really surprising when I discovered...hic...the affair between Paisley and Lord Belv.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAQ4iRvQY6L7
Hic...hic...I sincerely cared for Paisley...hic...she knew that I loved him. Yet..."
488Please respect copyright.PENANApkQHrBvgeO
I covered my eyes with both my hands and excused myself from the venue after making such a scene.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAtnOuyjXkf7
I ran out through the door, my hair moving behind me. I looked like a heartbroken girl running away from a sad scene.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAUw8dfxaIdk
My image was imprinted into the minds of the people at the venue that day. The talk about the relationship between Lord Belv and the Ladies of Deor became a very hot topic in the South.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAouoGwp0HR8
They talked about how I was lonely and heartbroken during the valentine's celebration.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAFnWHzWQug2
Many pitied me.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAFlngCxOUoJ
Yesterday, Ronald did not expect that I'd show up at the valentine's celebration. He was part of the people who was deceived by my innocent facade.
488Please respect copyright.PENANA7Ha548m4fs
Ronald thought that I'd be too heartbroken or embarrassed to show up. It was obvious that he had planned to spoil my image to the nobles at the venue.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAp8sigaV6Qb
It came as a surprise to him that I got there and acted before he did anything.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAMrgDKLwfhX
Well, my act yesterday is just the beginning my payback. A mere act to start up some rumors.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAduEivPWuPf
Paisley had not been in the Deor mansion since the day before yesterday, and had just come back today.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAyEAKGKNnEY
The servants have been actively gossiping about Paisley. Many seem to support me.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAc5Oup9R1dA
The day quickly went by and dinner time arrived. I then went downstairs.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAKHlYHNss5j
I was the second to arrive as only one chair was occupied. Seeing the first person to arrive, a fun thought appeared in my mind.
488Please respect copyright.PENANATtjPph6TYr
"Hello brother Cardin!"
488Please respect copyright.PENANAADc9szZadN
Cardin Deor was Olivia's older brother and my cousin. He was the one that was made the heir of the Deor family.
488Please respect copyright.PENANA52QzoJl3JC
As I got down from the steps, I tripped on purpose making myself fall close to him.
488Please respect copyright.PENANADutMkadgl9
Hearing my greetings, Cardin looked up at me. Seeing that I was about to fall, he quickly stood up in an attempt to catch me.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAqZloI9ORnK
I fell on the chair next to him, and my body brushed passed his. I could see the faint hint of red creep up on his cheek. He gazed at me shyly.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAX2VNQby6K4
Internally, I felt disgusted by his gaze. But I masked this feeling and bowed my head shyly then moved over to the seat I usually occupied.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAG1Asi6Renr
The next moment, mother came down the stairs, with Olivia and Paisley following behind.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAlPIBawG6UW
Since father was not around, mother occupied the chair at the head of the table.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAapH5cWgglE
I looked over to the seat that was at the left hand side of the table. It was the seat were Paisley's mother usually occupied.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAw7HM9STKa1
Ever since father left for the capital, five months ago, she hadn't been coming down for any meals and didn't leave her part of the mansion.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAdiBwqBenWa
I rarely ever saw her.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAmRVPE3vJCu
The moment mother sat down in her chair, a servant wheeled in the cart which contained our plates of food.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAVHpvsZ7tHb
The dishes that each person usually liked was placed in front them.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAwIMVSDq9KC
Silently, everyone began to dig into their meal. But of course there was never a meal in the Deor household that was observed in complete quietness.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAEGhntZ4bWD
Olivia just had to open her annoying mouth.
488Please respect copyright.PENANALkjkhAbavy
"Marchioness, will Lord Belv's engagement with Paisley be officiated soon?"
488Please respect copyright.PENANA7OJjQOHfR2
Mother paused her hand that had been raising her spoon. She looked over at Olivia then glanced at me.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAzRtE6s7Kg1
"The Belv Duchy haven't said anything about an engagement with Paisley"
488Please respect copyright.PENANAIs18sbBtV3
Mother put it simply at that then continued eating.
488Please respect copyright.PENANALwRPGsOK2y
The silence did not remain, as I spoke up with my head tilted while looking at Paisley.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAnhxsMovWeB
"What? Ronald hasn't proposed an engagement yet? Paisley, is there trouble in your new relationship? "
488Please respect copyright.PENANAspaJGkh0lL
Paisley's expression seemed to become paler after hearing my question.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAf65Xi44Ulm
"N-no. Of course not! Ronald said we'd get engaged soon..."
488Please respect copyright.PENANAnss4wiG1Vy
Paisley seemed to be disheartened about the news. Her expression became dim throughout the whole dinner while I ate my food happily.
488Please respect copyright.PENANARboDM1jrE3
I had purposefully ignored Olivia and she seemed to be displeased about this.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAtnqcTPW5hA
"Adrianna, didn't it take sometime before your engagement with Lord Belv became official?"
488Please respect copyright.PENANAu5lsN87cj8
Olivia asked while blinking her eyes innocently.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAO8nTfw8rkx
I was about to refute when Cardin spoke up. "Don't speak about such unimportant matters, Olivia. Don't you care about how Adrianna feels!"
488Please respect copyright.PENANAItrUXQ70rX
He said in a scolding tone to Olivia.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAjoRmA6eftf
Olivia seemed surprised by her brothers protection towards me. She narrowed her eyes and looked from me to Cardin.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAnWrst9FWRz
My expression was innocent as I held Cardin's hand in a soothing manner. I spoke in an understanding tone.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAeS4AW4lha2
"Brother Cardin, you don't need to be mad! Maybe Olivia was just trying to look out for Paisley. She didn't mean to hurt me. You knew she usually doesn't think that far..."
488Please respect copyright.PENANA8Xcn4F3Lcv
Olivia's smile cracked as I said that she doesn't think far. When no one was looking, I looked at her with a grin but quickly switched back to my innocent expression.
488Please respect copyright.PENANALbtAonmGqp
Cardin seemed to blush as I had held his hand.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAjXUvtz4faz
Olivia couldn't contain her hateful expression as she looked at me.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAfMoxcl1wn8
Paisley seemed to still be thinking about the talk about her engagement with Ronald since she seemed dispirited.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAjJFTDMuVnb
I smiled, feeling satisfied.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAuDNovHnSSz
While mother, ignored the mix of emotions that appeared from each side of the table and only continued to silently eat her food.
488Please respect copyright.PENANA6fuDxwNMC3
'There's something up with the Doer household' Each servant thought while watching the family dinner.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAgf5hD0yKPi
***
It was time to retire for the night.
488Please respect copyright.PENANA6iZupMDYZy
Nathan had sent me a letter that he wouldn't be able to visit tonight, so I decided to preoccupy myself with something else.
488Please respect copyright.PENANA0OyQkIu0mD
Henry and Harper came into my room.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAqR1LJbkIjh
I turned to them, dressed up in my all black clothes. They too wore all black.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAO10y6C1ayv
"Henry, what did you say Ronald is doing now?"
488Please respect copyright.PENANA1KbvJTFSob
Henry spoke up. "He's invested lots of the Belv Duchy's wealth into the establishment of a farm.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAcMX8J56m6Z
Also into the refinement of the newly discovered chemical known as petrol.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAZLu3QfsHMp
Why don't you sue him since he stole your idea?"
488Please respect copyright.PENANAbU1IZrsVF0
I had thought about it but it didn't seem good enough.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAIW9O774IOj
"Sueing him isn't going to bring the desired effect"
488Please respect copyright.PENANAqDz0zxLNk7
I had discovered the existence of petrol in this world. The chemical was plentiful in the Belv territory so I proposed doing a business with Ronald.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAmtmbPlmAIC
However he stole my idea and went to establish a farm along with a refinery. I had forgiven him and had decided to look past it, but now...
488Please respect copyright.PENANAWGmz9Vuuwe
"I've prepared the grenades and fire"Harper said while raising up a bag then putting it on back.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAecv9vpZQJp
"Good"
488Please respect copyright.PENANA7laLdgjOg1
Two hours later, Harper, Henry and I were on top of a building in the Belv territory.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAcW9LLTiKYN
Henry handed me my crossbow. I mounted an arrow unto the weapon. Harper set the ends of the arrow on fire, and almost immediately, I released the arrow, aiming for a window that was open.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAGl7J3owsUB
Boosh. An explosion happened and a fire began.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAWj8T84i1kj
I moved to another replace and aimed for another open window. Harper once again set the next arrow on fire, then I released it.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAV152KMVATJ
Boosh. Another explosion happened.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAkWtfnicj3b
Again and again, I accurately shot an arrow through a window. A blazing fire began to burn most of the buildings in the area.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAItfZsC6qXQ
As the fire began to spread dangerously, we left the top of the building and walked to a safe distance were we would not be seen by anybody and still be able to watch the fire.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAGpsWaFN7Xx
Harper and Henry stood by my side, watching the fire along with me.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAlV46xIVGRq
Suddenly I couldn't contain it anymore and broke down into a series of hysterical laughter.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAs8by4yJ4Yw
"Hahaha hahaha!"
488Please respect copyright.PENANApiBhh2bbyZ
The flames of fire reflected into my eyes because of my intense stare on it.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAszDBxA37Yc
I looked like a maniac as I continued to laugh.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAXAlkgLdkhd
When Ronald would see the scene, he'd probably go crazy...almost as much as I am right now.
488Please respect copyright.PENANA4gveNIPjjj
I could have sued Ronald for stealing my idea for the establishment of this business, but I didn't have that much proof about it being my idea.
488Please respect copyright.PENANA7JsQhfLOjo
And even if I did, it wouldn't hit him that hard.
488Please respect copyright.PENANATW90k6uDsH
Compare being sued because of your business or having your business burnt into ashes!
488Please respect copyright.PENANArbAyNkjRZw
I wanted to see that pain on his expression. The dark circles under his eyes after sleepless nights. Wanted to watch him crumble
488Please respect copyright.PENANA1ELYLxyvSq
Paisley would also be affected because Ronald would often do actions filled with transferred aggression.
488Please respect copyright.PENANA2bbwiEABWe
I admit that my actions are a bit too much. But who cares? Certainly not me.
488Please respect copyright.PENANAzAqmHtHc6o
Besides, isn't a villainess supposed to be cruel?
488Please respect copyright.PENANAEbfcbnW9Gj
"Hahahahahahahahaha!"
488Please respect copyright.PENANArN4aE4VOMx
I continued to laugh, like the psychopath that I was.
488Please respect copyright.PENANApEN49daZVZ
488Please respect copyright.PENANAjYWDIAHbn2